I’m making a box to store a pizza. The box itself is pretty straight forward, cherry wood, box joints and basically a groove in the bottom with a piece of plywood (cherry plywood) to act as the bottom. I’m pretty happy with how the bottom went together but for the top I’m having an issue…
So for the top I have a 3/8ths piece of roughly 10x10 with basically a dado around the edge so it insets slightly into the box. The problem I’m having is that when a pizza goes in, it bows a bit. I’m guessing it’s the steam from the pizza but so far I’ve been able to put something heavy on it and it comes out but I want to prevent it in the future.
I’m thinking a couple strips on the underside (basically across to U that forms) might help (with some glue and a couple of screws). I’ve also “sealed” it with a food grade oil but I’m looking for thoughts if this will or won’t help and any possible alternatives.
Your plan is sound. Just make sure whatever you use as a brace underneath doesn’t naturally warp in the same direction
I think you’re on the right track with reinforcements. If it’s moisture from the pizza, and I’m inclined to agree it is, then sealing it with something more permanent might be in order. You can mix together two part epoxy, then thin it with rubbing alcohol and brush it on.
I wonder if, as an alternative, you could use a thin piece of aluminum the same size as the lid to distribute heat, provide structure, and act as a moisture barrier.